scholarly journals Psychosocial issues and quality of life associated with food allergy

2020 ◽  
Vol 2 (1) ◽  
pp. 95-98
Author(s):  
Rita Kachru
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Food Allergy ◽  
Peer Pressure ◽  
Adolescent And Young Adult ◽  
Food Allergies ◽  
Psychosocial Issues ◽  
Effective Interventions ◽  
The Family ◽  
School Events

The day-to-day challenges involved in caring for a child with food allergies can be a significant stress within a family. As the child with a food allergy grows up, developmental changes as well as external influences such as bullying and peer pressure can further influence these stressors. When the child with a food allergy is young, the family may be limited on where they can vacation or go out to restaurants, which can cause tension and frustration within the family. Hypervigilance and fear of accidental exposure to the allergen takes an emotional and physical toll on the child with a food allergy and the child’s family. Socially, children with a food allergy may have to limit participation in school events, parties, or camps. These limitations can cause feelings of isolation for the child and feelings of guilt for the parents. As the child becomes an adolescent and young adult (AYA), increased autonomy of dining options and a desire to fit in with peers can trigger higher risk-taking behavior, which can be a source of anxiety for the AYA as well as the caregivers. The aim of this review was to describe potential negative psychosocial impacts of having a food allergy for the family. Data were reviewed from a literature search of medical literature data bases between 2010 and 2020 by using the search terms “food allergy,” “psychosocial,” “anxiety,” and” quality of life.” As we better recognize the psychosocial issues associated with food allergies, we will have a better ability to develop effective interventions to improve the quality of life for these families.

scholarly journals Weighing the benefits and risks of oral immunotherapy in clinical practice

2021 ◽  
Vol 42 (2) ◽  
pp. 118-123
Author(s):  
Aikaterini Anagnostou
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Food Allergy ◽  
The United States ◽  
Oral Immunotherapy ◽  
Food Allergies ◽  
Allergic Reactions ◽  
Immune Modulators ◽  
Significant Burden ◽  
Working Together

Food allergies are common and affect 6‐8% of children in the United States; they pose a significant burden on the quality of life of children with allergy and their caregivers due to multiple daily restrictions. Despite the recommended dietary avoidance, reactions tend to occur due to unintentional exposure to the allergenic food trigger. Fear of accidental ingestions with potentially severe reactions, including anaphylaxis and death, creates anxiety in individuals with food allergy. Oral immunotherapy has emerged as a form of active and potentially disease-modifying treatment for common food allergies encountered in childhood. The efficacy of oral immunotherapy is high, with the majority of participants achieving desensitization and, as a result, protection from trace exposures and improved quality of life. The main risk of oral immunotherapy consists of allergic reactions to treatment. In general, rates of allergic reactions and anaphylaxis are reported to be higher in individuals pursuing therapy options, but most subjects who undergo oral immunotherapy will likely experience mild or moderate reactions during treatment. Adverse events tend to reduce in both frequency and number in the maintenance period. The use of immune modulators alongside oral immunotherapy has been suggested, with the aim to improve efficacy and safety, and to facilitate the overall process. It is evident that the landscape of food allergy management is changing and that the future looks brighter, with different options emerging over time. The process of how to choose the appropriate option becomes a discussion between the clinician and the patient, which involves a joint review of the current medical evidence but also the patient's preference for balancing particular attributes of the treatment. By working together, providers and patients will ensure achievement of the best possible outcome for children with food allergies.

scholarly journals Challenges in Diagnosis of Food Allergies via Oral Food Challenges: A Qualitative Analysis of the Caregiver Perspective

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Natasha Correa ◽  
Jennifer LP Protudjer ◽  
Elaine Hsu ◽  
Lianne Soller ◽  
Edmond S Chan ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Food Allergy ◽  
Focus Group ◽  
Primary Care Physicians ◽  
Poor Quality ◽  
Standard Test ◽  
Food Allergies ◽  
Older Children ◽  
Food Challenges

Abstract Background: Food allergy disproportionately affects children and contributes to poor quality of life for families. As a result, accurate diagnosis of food allergy is important. Oral food challenges (OFC) are the gold standard test for diagnosis of food allergy. Yet, many children do not undergo OFCs. The purpose of this study was to understand the barriers to OFCs faced by parents of children with food allergies in Ontario, as well as solutions to increase their utilization.Methods: Three focus group discussions were carried out with a total of 24 parents of children with food allergies in Kitchener-Waterloo, Ontario. Focus group data were analyzed using constant comparative analysis.Results: Parents misperceived OFCs as management of food allergies. They were also unsure about whether OFCs take place in hospitals, clinics or in the home. Parents reported several barriers to OFCs including not being referred by their primary care physicians, wait times, and fear and anxiety. Additionally, parents with older children, children with multiple allergies and children who could only tolerate allergens in its baked form felt that OFCs would not improve their quality of life. Solutions offered by parents to increase uptake of OFCs included education of the public, physicians and policy makers to improve knowledge and training, and ensure timely access to OFCs. Parents also suggested a need for improved counselling about the risk of OFCs, psychological support, and sharing of patient success stories. Long-term follow-up after an OFC as well as support and guidance around food reintroduction was also suggested to ensure OFCs resulted in an improvement in quality of life.Conclusion: Interventions aimed at addressing barriers to OFCs identified by parents have the potential to increase utilization of OFCs, and thereby reduce the burden of food allergies in children and improve quality of life.

scholarly journals A Pediatric Food Allergy Support Group Can Improve Parent and Physician Communication: Results of a Parent Survey

2012 ◽  
Vol 2012 ◽  
pp. 1-3 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ashika Sharma ◽  
Tracy Prematta ◽  
Tracy Fausnight
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Food Allergy ◽  
Support Group ◽  
Food Allergies ◽  
Physician Communication ◽  
Online Surveys ◽  
Parent Survey ◽  
The Impact ◽  
The Relationship

Rationale. We sought to evaluate the impact of having an allergist at a food allergy support group (FASG) on the relationship between parents and their child's allergist. Methods. Ninety-eight online surveys were sent to parents who attend a FASG affiliated with our institution. Responses were analyzed looking for reasons for attending the support group and comfort with having an allergist present at the meetings. The main objective of this study was to evaluate the impact of having an allergist at the food allergy support group on the relationship between parents and their child's allergist. Results. The FASG decreased anxiety about food allergies for 77.7% of those who responded. Most (71.4%) felt the FASG improved their child's quality of life. Greater than 90% felt comfortable having an allergist at the support group meeting, and 64.3% felt that talking to an allergist at the FASG made it easier to speak with their child's allergist. Conclusions. FASG meetings appear to be a good way for families of children with food allergies to learn more about food allergies, improve quality of life, and increase comfort in communicating with a child's allergist.

Potential beneficial effects of kefir and its postbiotic, kefiran, on child food allergy

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Susy Érika de Lima Barros ◽  
Caique dos Santos Rocha ◽  
Mayara Storel Beserra de Moura ◽  
Mariana Pegrucci Barcelos ◽  
Carlos Henrique Tomich de Paula da Silva ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Food Allergy ◽  
Nutritional Status ◽  
Age Groups ◽  
Public Health Problem ◽  
Food Allergies ◽  
The Public ◽  
Beneficial Effects

Food allergies are known as the public health problem, affecting people of all age groups, but more commonly in babies and children, with consequences for nutritional status and quality of life.

scholarly journals Adaptation, Translation and Validation of the Food Allergy Quality of Life Questionnaire-Parent Form (FAQLQ-PF): The Malay Version

Children ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 8 (11) ◽  
pp. 1050
Author(s):  
Izyana Syazlin Ibrahim ◽  
Noorhida Baharudin ◽  
Mohamad Rodi Isa ◽  
Intan Hakimah Ismail ◽  
Mohamed-Syarif Mohamed-Yassin ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Food Allergy ◽  
Food Allergies ◽  
Life Questionnaire ◽  
Validity And Reliability ◽  
Cronbach’S Alpha ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Quality Of Life Questionnaire ◽  
Cronbach's Alpha

Food allergy has a significant impact on the quality of life (QoL) of children and can be measured using The Food Allergy Quality of Life Questionnaire-Parent Form (FAQLQ-PF). This study aimed to adapt, translate the FAQLQ-PF into Malay and determine the validity and reliability of the translated version. This cross-sectional questionnaire validation study was conducted among parents of children (0 to 12 years old) with food allergies across five sites in Selangor and Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. The FAQLQ-PF-Malay underwent cross-cultural adaptation, translation, validation (content, face and construct) and reliability assessment. Exploratory factor analysis, internal consistency and test-retest reliability analyses were used to examine its construct validity and reliability. Out of 150 children, the majority were between the age of 7 to 12 years old (41%) and were female (81%). Three subscales were identified, which were: (i) social and dietary implication, (ii) food anxiety and (iii) emotional and physical impact. Four items were eliminated because of weak factor loadings. The Cronbach’s alpha for each subscale ranged from 0.88 to 0.94, with an overall Cronbach’s alpha of 0.95. The intra-class correlation coefficient ranged from 0.54 (95% CI: 0.10–0.77) to 0.97 (95% CI: 0.90–0.99). The 26-item FAQLQ-PF-Malay retained the three-factor structure of the original FAQLQ-PF. The FAQLQ-PF-Malay is a valid and reliable tool to assess the QoL of Malaysian children with food allergies.

scholarly journals Real life study of the use of omalizumab for pediatric patients with multiple food allergies

2021 ◽  
Vol 49 (2) ◽  
pp. 15-22
Author(s):  
Judit Barrena Crespo ◽  
Marta Viñas Domingo ◽  
Nora Hernández Arauzo ◽  
M. José Castillo ◽  
M. Belén Delavalle ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Food Allergy ◽  
Real Life ◽  
Life Quality ◽  
Skin Tests ◽  
Food Allergies ◽  
Time Interval ◽  
Life Questionnaire ◽  
The Impact

Background: Multiple food allergies (MFAs) affect 30% of the child population with food allergy. The current treatment is the exclusion diet, which frequently affects the quality of life for these patients. The objective of the study was to describe the effect of omalizumab treatment in children diagnosed with MFAs who experienced frequent anaphylactic reactions and the impact on their quality of life.Material and methods: A descriptive observational study. Patients with severe food restrictions and high-risk due to multiple episodes of anaphylaxis were included. The allergy was confirmed by compatible clinical, skin tests, positive specific IgE and oral food challenges (OFCs). Omalizumab treatment was initiated and the impact on the life quality of patients and their families was assessed using the validated Food Allergy Quality of Life Questionnaire-Parent Form.Results: Five patients with an average age at diagnosis of 3.58 years (range between 1.5–7.9 years), were diagnosed with MFAs. All patients presented with anaphylaxis. All patients were treated with omalizumab between 2013 and 2019. Omalizumab treatment was initiated at a mean age of 6.05 years (range between 4.5–8.25 years). All patients have undergone OFC to reintroduce food successfully. 2 patients had their dose of omalizumab reduced by half, and 1 patient has had the time interval extended between administrations due to the maintenance of food tolerance. No immediate local or systemic adverse reactions were documented. Two patients have commenced omalizumab administration at home without incident.Conclusions: Children with MFAs who are treated with omalizumab do not show reactions in response to most of the foods to which they previously had anaphylaxis. Consequently, these patients were able to significantly expand the variety of their diet, improving the life quality and avoid anaphylaxis following the inadvertent intake of these foods.

scholarly journals Exploring Perceptions and Experiences of Food Allergy among New Canadians from Asia

2014 ◽  
Vol 2014 ◽  
pp. 1-7 ◽  
Author(s):  
Stephanie K. Lu ◽  
Susan J. Elliott ◽  
Ann E. Clarke
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Food Allergy ◽  
Lived Experience ◽  
Qualitative Interviews ◽  
Food Allergies ◽  
Food Labelling ◽  
Canadian Population ◽  
Canadian Immigrants ◽  
New Canadians

Introduction. In Canada, perceived prevalence of food allergy surpasses systematic estimates. Canadian immigrants have been found more likely to rate the risk of food allergy as “high” compared to nonimmigrants. Methods. Qualitative interviews were conducted with 3 key informants and 18 allergic individuals of East and Southeast Asian descent in order to capture their lived experience with food allergies. Results. Participants found food allergies to be more common in Canada than in Asia. Participants also agreed that having a food allergy is more manageable in Canada as a result of the policy environment (e.g., food labelling and school policies). In addition, participants had dealt with skepticism and disbelief about their food allergy in Asia, resulting in social exclusion and impacting quality of life. Discussion. Findings demonstrate the need to recognize the varied impacts and experiences of food allergy among new Canadians, given that immigrants represent a large and growing proportion of the Canadian population.

HUBUNGAN PERAN FAMILY CAREGIVER TERHADAP QUALITAS HIDUP LANSIA

2019 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
pp. 51-56
Author(s):  
RIANI PRADARA JATI ◽  
Sekar Farah Nabila
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Family Caregiver ◽  
Random Sampling ◽  
Simple Random Sampling ◽  
The Elderly ◽  
Chi Square ◽  
The Poor ◽  
The Family

  Penempatan peran yang baik bagi Family Caregiver sangatlah membantu lansia dalam meningkatkah qualitas hidupnya, meningkatkan motivasi dalam menjalankan hidup Penelitian ini bertujuan Mengetahui hubungan peran Family Caregiver dalam pemenuhan qualitas hidup bagi lansia di Kelurahan Langenharjo Kabupaten Kendal. DesainPenelitianDeskriptifKorelasional menggunakan pendekatan Krosectional,tehnikSamplingStratified Simple Random Sampling dengan karakteristik heterogen, dari populasi mempunyai hak yang sama untuk diseleksi sebagai sampel teknik undianPengambilan data dengan menggunakan kuesioner yang telah diuji validitas dan reliabilitasnya. Uji statistik Chi-square, dengan taraf signifikasi 5%jumlah sampel pada penelitian ini 70 sampel pada Family Caregiver dari 213 populasi yang ada. Hasil penelitian dari 70 responden didapatkan Peran Family Caregiver tidak baik dengan qualitas hidup tidak baik 33 (47,1%), sedangkan Peran Family Caregiver kurang baik dengan qualitas hidup lansia baik 3 (4,3%). Untuk distribusi Peran Family Caregiver kurang baik dengan qualitas hidup lansia tidak baik sebanyak 6 responden (8,6%) sedangkan untuk distribusi Peran Family Caregiver kurang baik dengan qualitas hidup lansia baik sebanyak 23 responden (32,9%). Terakhir, untuk distribusi Peran Family Caregiver baik dengan qualitas hidup lansia tidak baik didapatkan hasil 2 responden (2, 9%) sedangkan untuk distribusi Peran Family Caregiver baik dengan qualitas hidup lansia baik didapatkan hasil 3 responden (4,3%)Menunjukkan nilai ρ value 0,001 (ρ < 0,05) berarti ada hubungan antara dukungan keluarga dengan kepatuhan lansia dalam keikutsertaan posyandu lansia. Disarankan kepada semua Family Cregiver lansia untuk mampu memahami pentingnya perhatian, dukungan bagi lansia dalammeningkatkan qualitas hidup yang lebih baik bagi lansia.   Kata kunci : Peran family caregiver, qualitas hidup, lansia.   ABSTRACT Placement of a good role for Family Caregiver is very helpful for the elderly to improve their quality of life, increase motivation in living life Research Objective: To know the relationship between the role of Family Caregiver in fulfilling quality of life for the elderly in Langenharjo Village, Kendal Regency. Descriptive Correlational Research Design uses a cross sectional approach, Sampling Stratified Simple Random Sampling technique with heterogeneous characteristics, from the population has the same right to be selected as a sample lottery technique Retrieving data using a questionnaire that has been tested for validity and reliability. Test Chi-square statistics, with a significance level of 5% the number of samples in this study 70 samples on the Family Caregiver from 213 populations. Results of the Study Of 70 respondents found the role of Family Caregiver was not good with poor quality of life 33 (47.1%) , while the role of the Family Caregiver is not good with the quality of life of a good elderly 3 (4.3%). For the distribution of the role of Family Caregiver is not good with the quality of life of the poor family as many as 6 respondents (8.6%) while for the distribution of the Role of Family Caregiver is not good with the quality of life of good elderly as many as 23 respondents (32.9%). Finally, the distribution of the Role of Family Caregiver with good quality of life for the poor is obtained by 2 respondents (2, 9%), while the distribution of the Role of Family Caregiver with good quality of life for the elderly is obtained by 3 respondents (4.3%). 0.001 (ρ <0.05) means that there is a relationship between family support and the compliance of the elderly in the participation of the elderly posyandu. It is recommended to all elderly Cregiver families to be able to understand the importance of attention, support for the elderly in improving the quality of life better for the elderly   Keywords: Role of Family Caregiver, Quality of Life, Elderly

Quality of Life (QOL) of Balinese Women Working in Spa Tourism Industry

2015 ◽  
Vol 1 (1) ◽  
pp. 13
Author(s):  
Putu Sucita Yanthy ◽  
Luh Gede Leli Kusuma Dewi ◽  
W. Citra Juwitasari
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Tourism Industry ◽  
Family Needs ◽  
Interesting Phenomenon ◽  
Tourist Destinations ◽  
Foreign Countries ◽  
The Family ◽  
Two Factors ◽  
Material Factor

Bali is one of spa tourist destinations having various categories of spas and spa treatments, and the most important is the spa therapists. Spa development becomes an interesting phenomenon to be studied when it is associated with an involvement of Balinese women as spa therapists in foreign countries. The world’s demand for Balinese spa therapists has become the motivation of women to work in this area. The work and life of Balinese spa therapists while they are working in foreign countries serve as parameters to know their quality of life, and these parameters are also the main focus of this study. Through in-depth interviews and questionnaires distributed to 20 therapists it was found out that 85 percent of them have revealed an improvement in their quality of life that is influenced by two factors: the material and intimacy factors. The material factor in question refers to the economic improvement of the family as they could earn enough income to cover their family needs. The intimacy factor in question refers to closeness and a sense of solidarity fostered while they are working abroad and the relationship within the family. This study concludes that the most important part of the development of spa in Bali is its female Balinese spa therapists due to the image that Balinese women working as spa therapists are loyal, hard-working and honest making them in demand among tourists who are seeking spa treatments. Being a spa therapist can improve their quality of life, which means that subjectively both material and intimacy factors are the aspects that affect the quality of life of the Balinese spa therapists.

scholarly journals The Association of Sources of Support, Types of Support and Satisfaction with Support Received on Perceived Stress and Quality of Life of Cancer Patients

2021 ◽  
Vol 20 ◽  
pp. 153473542199490
Author(s):  
Iván Ruiz-Rodríguez ◽  
Isabel Hombrados-Mendieta ◽  
Anabel Melguizo-Garín ◽  
Mª José Martos-Méndez
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Social Support ◽  
Cancer Patients ◽  
Perceived Stress ◽  
Emotional Support ◽  
Multidimensional Analysis ◽  
Informational Support ◽  
Cancer Data ◽  
The Family

Introduction: The aim of the present study is to carry out a multidimensional analysis of the relationship of social support with quality of life and the stress perceived by cancer patients. Methods: The participants were 200 patients with cancer. Data was gathered on sociodemographic characteristics, health, quality of life, social support and perceived stress. Results: Frequency of and satisfaction with different sources and types of support are related positively with improvement of quality of life and negatively with perceived stress. The emotional support from the partner and the emotional and informational support from the family are significant predictors of quality of life. Emotional support from the family reduces patients’ perceived stress. Satisfaction with emotional support from the partner and with the informational support from friends and family increases quality of life. Satisfaction with emotional support from the family and with informational support from friends decreases patients’ perceived stress. Instrumental support and support provided by health professionals are not good predictors of quality of life and perceived stress. Satisfaction with the support received is more significantly related with quality of life and stress than the frequency with which the sources provide support. Conclusions: These results have important practical implications to improve cancer patients’ quality of life and reduce their perceived stress through social support. Designing intervention strategies to improve satisfaction with the support provided to patients by their closest networks results in a global benefit for the patient’s quality of life.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document